The Juve chief said the meetings were only with large groups of of other fans at celebratory events and he never intended to break the law.

But the Italian soccer federation fined the Serie A giants 300,00 euros – about £264,000 – after Agnelli allegedly authorised the sale of season passes and other tickets.

Prosecutors wanted Agnelli banned for two and a half years, as well as Juventus ordered to play two home matches behind closed doors.

So Agnelli might be relieved at the size of the penalty he received.

But Juventus themselves will appeal against the verdict.

A club spokesman said: “Having taken note of today’s decision by the FIGC’s National Tribunal, Juventus preannounces its appeal to the FIGC Court of Appeal in the full conviction of its own good arguments, which have still not found adequate recognition.

Prosuctors wanted Andrea Agnelli banned for two and a half years but he was given a one-year suspension

“The club expresses its own satisfaction because today’s sentence, even though it inflicted heavy bans on the president and other people involved, has ‘after extensive evaluation of the evidentiary material’ excluded all alleged links with representatives of organized crime.”

Prosecutors say they will also appeal – for a tougher sentence.

Giuseppe Pecoraro said: “I am partially satisfied because we managed to prove everyone’s guilt but the facts are so serious that I think they should be punished more.

“The judgment of another court would be useful, taking into account that the resources coming from the ticket scalping went to a criminal organization, and that is very serious.”

Weekend Round-Up: Watch the best Premier League action from Saturday, Sunday and Monday